Ethics

Keeping our churches and communities safe is our responsibility

The Virginia Conference lifts up two required training events for all first-time appointed clergy and lay professionals. Additionally, clergy are required to attend one ethics training each quadrennium of their appointment. Please also refer to the many Resources available at the bottom of this page.

Ethics 101: Sexual EthicsAn introductory workshop on the unique needs of clergy and religious professionals engaged in United Methodist ministry exploring concepts of how to maintain healthy boundaries along with issues of access, power and control, vulnerability, and transference. An orientation to our conference policy on sexual ethics and the process utilized for seeking reconciliation and resolution upon the occasion of boundary violations is also explored.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019Registration is now open. Click here to register.9:30 am - 3:30 pm at the VAUM Conference Center, Glen Allen $15 registration fee includes lunch; 0.5 CEU will be given

Ethics 102: Clergy Reporting Child Abuse and NeglectTraining for Clergy Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect is an online program available from the Virginia Department of Social Services. The course is in three modules and the total completion time is about 70 minutes. While all of the examples in this online component relate to classroom issues, the Ethics Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry felt that this was the best online course available and are confident that connections can be made to ministry settings. Please save a copy of the certificate of completion offered at the conclusion of the training and email the certificate to ClergyExcellence@vaumc.org.

This training, when incorporated as part of Licensing School, also includes resources for Safe Sanctuaries, which relates to the requirement of all Virginia Conference churches to have a current policy with procedures to reduce the risk of child abuse in the church. For more information about Safe Sanctuaries, contact the Conference Office of Ministries with Young People (804-521-1100).

Quadrennial Clergy Ethics TrainingAppointed clergy are required to attend one advanced ethics training each quadrennium of their appointment. If you received your first appointment in this quadrennium – and attended the above two basic courses – then you have fulfilled your quadrennial requirement and do not need to attend a third course. Training opportunities are spread across the conference over the four years of a quadrennium.

Registration is open for 2017-2021 – Click here to register for available training datesDr. Sondra Wheeler, longtime professor of Christian ethics at Wesley Theological Seminary and an outstanding presenter, leads us this quadrennium in considering the role of "The Minister as Moral Theologian." Going beyond the mere "good behavior" of clergy, we'll look together at the deeper ethical aspects of being a ministry leader in a changing world. You won't want to miss the opportunity for meaningful reflection with a such a world-class scholar.

The events begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. The registration fee of $20 includes lunch ($10 without the meal), and participants are awarded 0.5 CEU. Funding support may be obtained through the Ministerial Education Fund grants, available at www.vaumc.org/ClergyContinuingEducation

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